Ballistic neck protector

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a neck protector for protecting zones 1 and 2 of the neck from ballistic materials which produces minimal restriction of movement of the head and neck of a user. The present invention also provides under body armour garments comprising the neck protector.

The present invention is concerned with garments for protecting the neck from injury by ballistic materials, especially neck protectors and under body armour garments.

Combat neck injury continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality rates due to the exposure, and lack of adequate protection, of this area of the body. Neck wounds have been ascribed as having the second highest increase in severity when compared to the civilian equivalent. Many of the injuries are as a result from explosive/ballistic fragments.

Combat neck injuries are predominantly fragmentation injuries, and therefore are potentially preventable. Generally, neck protection is achieved by collars attached to the body armour vest, but the size, design and detachability of the collar varies greatly. Most designs of neck collar cover solely zone 1 of the neck, leaving the upper zones (zones 2 and 3) vulnerable.

The lateral neck is divided into 3 zones (Monson D O et al, 1969, J. Trauma, 9, 987), providing a system useful for evaluation of penetrating neck injuries. Zone 1 extends from the clavicle to the cricoid cartilage and includes the thoracic inlet. This region contains the major vascular structures of the subclavian, artery and vein, jugular vein, and common carotid artery, as well as the esophagus, thyroid, and trachea. Zone 2 extends from the cricoid to the angle of the mandible and contains the common carotid artery, internal and external carotid arteries, jugular vein, larynx, hypopharynx, and cranial nerves X, XI, and XII. Zone 3 is a small area extending from the angle of the mandible to the skull base. This region contains the internal and external carotid arteries, jugular vein, lateral pharynx, and cranial nerves VII, IX, X, XI, and XII.

Reasons cited for the high level of combat neck injury include that neck protectors only protect zone one of the neck, or that neck protectors are so uncomfortable to a user, hindering movement of the head and neck, as well as overheating, that a user will refuse to wear the neck protector. There is a belief among users that increased manoeuvrability and heat dissipation are critical to survival on the modern battlefield, and perhaps more so than simply having increased protective coverage of the body.

There is thus a requirement for new and improved products/garments for protecting the neck from ballistic materials.

The present application generally aims to provide new and improved garments for protecting the neck against injury from ballistic materials.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a ballistic neck protector for providing protection to zones 1 and 2 of the neck of a user for use with body armour or under, body armour garments comprising a soft armour material, wherein the neck protector has dimensions and a rigidity such that in use the neck protector is substantially upstanding and circumscribes the neck to delimit a gap therebetween providing for minimal restriction of movement of the head and neck of the user.

The neck protector provides protection to zone 1 and zone 2 of the neck, with minimal or no hindrance to movement of the neck and head. This is a major improvement over the prior art, which discloses neck protectors which either only provide protection to zone 1 of the neck, or hinder movement of the neck and/or are uncomfortable to wear. The shape and the rigidity are particularly important in providing for the comfort and lack of hindrance (the neck protector is flexibly rigid), as is having the gap between the neck of a user and the neck protector.

The dimensions of the neck protector should preferably provide coverage to zones 1 and 2 of the whole neck of a user, including beneath the chin of the head of a user. The neck protector may be manufactured from a substantially rectangular piece of material, providing a single vertical dimension to the neck protector, though preferably the neck protector is shaped to incorporate the shape of the head of a user, such as having a reduced vertical dimension at the nape of the neck, to accommodate the back of the head of a user, and may also have further modifications, such as to accommodate the chin of a user, or the helmet of a user.

The neck protector is flexibly rigid. As used herein a flexibly rigid neck protector is one that is rigid or stiff enough to be substantially upstanding about the neck, but is flexible enough to deform to accommodate movement of the neck and head of a user such that any restriction of movement of the neck and head is minimal.

The gap delimited between the neck protector and neck contributes to the minimal restriction of movement of the neck and head of a user. The gap delimited, when the neck and head are in an upright position, is preferably between about 1 and 10 cm, and most preferably between about 2 and 5 cm.

The ballistic neck protector may be of wrapover arrangement.

As used herein, the term wrapover refers to the arrangement of a discontinuous substantially flat material about (wrapped round) an object such that opposite sides of the material overlap.

The arrangement of overlapping opposite sides may be fixed/fastened together by fastening means, such as with a button, or through partially or fully bonding or sewing the sides together.

A wrapover neck protector could be formed from an elongated substantially flat material, such as a soft armour material, which could be generally of rectangular surface area, wherein opposite sides of the elongated material are fastened together such that the opposite sides overlap.

The wrapover arrangement provides a discontinuous essentially circular neck protector, providing protection about the whole circumference of the neck.

The opposite sides exhibit opposite edges. In a preferred embodiment, the opposite sides will be fastened/fixed together such that the opposite edges remain open (not fastened or fixed together), whilst still providing protection about the whole circumference of the neck. Such an embodiment is herein referred to as an open wrapover arrangement. This arrangement provides for a neck protector that can easily be donned, as the edges of the neck protector part (‘open’) as the protector is placed over the head of the user, and then return (‘close’) once the protector is about the neck.

The open wrapover arrangement allows for further manoeuvrability and flexibility of movement of the neck, and provides an opening for the movement of hot air from the body or neck of a user, thus providing for cooling.

The soft armour material is preferably sandwiched between a layer of a first material at the inner surface of the neck protector and a layer of a second material at the outer surface of the neck protector. The first material preferably comprises a hydrophobic material. A hydrophobic material on the inner surface provides for wicking of moisture from the neck, which also provides cooling of the neck and comfort to the user. The hydrophobic material may be nylon or polyester. The second material preferably comprises a fire retardant material. A fire retardant material on the outer surface provides a robust surface with protection from heat/fire/explosions. The fire retardant material may be cotton. The hydrophobic material may have a density of between about 150 and about 200 gm⁻², and the fire retardant material may have a density between about 200 and about 250 gm⁻²: densities which further contribute to providing a good level of flexible rigidity to the neck protector.

The first material the second material and the soft armour material are preferably quilted together. The Applicant has discovered that a neck protector made from quilting three layers of material together produces, in comparison to bonding the layers together with an adhesive, a much softer and less bulky neck protector. The bonded neck protector caused some discomfort, and was less flexible.

As used herein, quilted and quilting refers to the sewing/stitching together of three layers of material. The stitching is often in a specific pattern, with lines of stitching often equidistant from each other.

The soft armour material is preferably an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibre. The neck protector is preferably able to be washed without substantial degradation. Ultra high molecular polyethylene fibres are substantially resistant to degradation through washing, and are thus a preferred soft armour material. The soft armour material is preferably not a para-aramid material (such as Kevlar®), which do degrade upon washing.

The soft armour material preferably has a density of between about 200 to about 500 gm⁻², and most preferably about 400 gm⁻². Such densities provide for a good level of flexible rigidity in the neck protector.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an under body armour garment comprising the neck protector of the first aspect. The neck protector is preferably integral with the garment, i.e. integrated into the garment to provide a modular system.

The garment is preferably tight fitting. Although there are some benefits to looser fitting clothing in terms of comfort, tight fitting clothing have a number of major advantages: such a garment is particularly beneficial for hot environments when the wearer is perspiring, but perhaps more importantly a tight fitting garment provides for reduced interference with other articles of clothing and equipment, which is of major importance for soldiers. Tight fitting clothing also provides for compression which can help counteract an inflammatory response brought on by muscle damage.

Tight fitting garments allow the wearer to feel cooler as moisture can escape through gaps between yarns, they also allow very little air to be held against the skin, providing a cooler microclimate than looser fitting garments.

The garment preferably employs materials that have the capability to allow ventilation of hot air and wick sweat. The materials also preferably comprise comfortable and flexible fabrics or fibres to ensure that the garment is not only soft to the touch but also durable over time. The garment thus preferably has a torso comprised of a hydrophobic material, such as nylon or polyester. A hydrophobic material provides for wicking of moisture from the neck, and cooling of the body of a user.

The garment preferably has sleeves, and the forearm section of the sleeves preferably comprise a soft armour material to protect veins and arteries. The soft armour material is preferably an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibre. The sleeves are also preferably comprised of a fire retardant material, such as cotton. Since the armour material will be fitted close to the body, as a result of the tight fitting garment, any task hindrance should be minimal with little or no issues related to clothing and equipment integration.

The inner layer of the neck protector and the torso of the garment are preferably elasticated, and preferably comprise between about 10% and about 30% elastane, or similar material. The sleeves and the outer layer of the neck protector may also be elasticated, and may comprise between about 10% and about 30% elastane, or similar material. Such an elastane content enables the high stretch and recovery required for a tight fitting garment, and correct placement of the armour material in the garment. Such an elastane content also contributes to the flexible rigidity of the neck protector. The elastane content in the garment is preferably about 15%.

Any seams in the neck protector or garment should preferably be sealed and covered so that they do not cause rubbing against sensitive areas of the skin. Any seams are preferably positioned such that chaffing and rubbing does not occur with movement. Seams are preferably not placed in areas of anticipated discomfort, such as the underarms.

The garment may comprise elbow protection, such as provided by an elbow pad inserted in to the sleeve of the garment. Protection could be provided for example by a d3o™ impact protection elbow pad, having a ‘Lock and Key’ construction to fit around the elbow, providing comfort, flexibility and good range of movement to the wearer.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples and drawings in which

FIG. 1 illustrates three perspectives of the neck protector when integral with an under body armour combat shirt, and being worn beneath body armour,

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the front of a first embodiment of the under body armour garment comprising a first embodiment of the neck protector,

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the back of the first embodiment of the under body armour garment comprising the first embodiment of the neck protector,

FIG. 4 is a graph representing task success, according to a user, whilst wearing various under body armour garments,

FIG. 5 is a graph representing task acceptability, according to a user, whilst wearing various under body armour garments, and

FIG. 6 is a graph representing the usability, comfort, satisfaction and integration of under body armour garments, according to a user, when worn under body armour, and attempting various tasks.

EXAMPLES Design of Improved Under Body Armour Garments

Having regard to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an improved under body armour garment was devised having a neck protector 1, preferably constructed of multiple layers of material, including a soft armour material, quilted together, including an open wraparound collar 2, providing for ease of donning and doffing of the garment without loss of protection to the neck. The torso 3 of the garment preferably consists of a high-stretch synthetic blend fabric which dries fast, and won't absorb perspiration. Such a high-stretch fabric will also provide a close fitting torso. The garment includes sleeves 4 which are preferably comprised of a non-melt fabric, such as cotton, to avoid melt injuries to exposed areas. The sleeves 4 also preferably comprise a stretchable material, thus providing for close fitting to the arms of a wearer. The sleeves include a forearm layer 5 of soft armour material to protect the forearms from ballistic materials, with a narrow stretch panel 6 remaining free of any armour protection to ensure retention of the close fitting property of the fabric to the arms of a wearer. The sleeves also include elbow protection 7, which is preferably a lightweight, ergonomically shaped pad on the inside of the sleeve. The garment preferably includes flat bonded seams 8, which provide for a flat finish which prevents chafing of close fitting garments. The neck protector preferably includes a depression 9 to accommodate the nape of the neck of a wearer, and to ensure comfort to the wearer.

Collar

The difficulty of achieving full neck coverage is a significant challenge, especially as armour materials have negligible stretch. A design was required that could provide flexibility to the collar allowing easy donning/doffing, whilst maintaining a comfortable close fit at the neck. A wrap-over front collar design was identified as offering the best compromise of flexibility and protection.

Use of a wrapover collar design, preferably an open wrapover collar design, also removes the need for any zip or fastening means at the neck opening, which is historically an area of discomfort and vulnerability.

Higher protection is incorporated into the front & sides of the collar to protect key areas (in particular zones 1 and 2 of the neck).

Additional protection for the base of the neck, and provide a collar with a lower depth of protection at the back of the neck of the collar to ensure minimal interference with a helmet.

Arm Protection

Increased protection on the inside forearm, perhaps using a single wrap-around protective panel covering the entire inner arm (wrist to elbow).

A strip of stretch fabric to be left without protection on the outer side of the forearm, to allow the stretch needed for the sleeve to fit correctly and comfortably.

Elbow impact protection to be incorporated.

Fabrics

Torso to consist of a fabric, such as nylon or lycra, capable of providing for cooling of the body. Alternatively, polyester/lycra could be used, at a potentially lower cost.

All fabrics to preferably have effective and durable anti-microbial abilities (for hygiene and health primarily, odour control secondary) and be treated with an insect repellent, such as a permethrin based treatment.

The sleeve and collar include a “non-melt” fabric, such as cotton, to avoid the potential for fabric melting onto the skin in the event of flash heat/flames.

Fibre Blends

A significant elastane content (more than 10%, and preferably 15% or more) allows for the stretch and recovery required in a close fitting garment, especially for the stretch and recovery required for the narrow “unprotected” strip in the lower arm. An elastane content of 15% allows for the high stretch and recovery required for close fit of sleeves and correct placement of the armour protection in the sleeves on the arm.

The elastane content provides the high stretch to allow comfortable donning and flexibility in wearing, but also to maintain a close fit for the protection. It was considered critical to allow some adjustment for comfort or cooling if the wearer wanted to push the sleeves part way up over the forearm to expose the wrists, but not to allow the wearer to roll back or push back the sleeves to the elbow, making the protection ineffective. A minimum elastane content of 15% would be required if ultrasonic line bonded seams were to be used in the garment.

A “non-melt” fabric is used in the exposed areas of the shirt, such as the collar and arms. Flame retardant (FR) synthetic fibres in warp knit blends were investigated. Since elastane burns it is rarely used, if at all, in such fabrics. Such a fabric would therefore have to be produced specifically for the purpose. Suitable options were considered to be cotton or wool blends. Cotton burns but does not melt. Wool also burns, but self-extinguishes when the flame is removed. Merino wool (a fine fibre which feels comfortable next to skin) would also be suitable, but achieving Infra red reflectance (IRR) on wool blends is difficult. Cotton/elastane blends are much lower in cost (than Merino) to produce and easier to process with an IRR print.

Cotton (and wool) absorb moisture and will become wet with perspiration. In a dry, hot climate, however the moisture will evaporate and keep the wearer cool, but the damp fabric can cause chafing and discomfort in a close fit, so it was important to ensure there are no seams in areas where movement could cause chafing, such as the under arm.

Nylon and polyester are naturally hydrophobic (non-absorbent) and will retain very little moisture, even without any treatments. Close fitting garments in such fibre blends therefore allow moisture to escape through the gaps between the yarns, and don't hold or retain moisture in the structure. In addition, closer fitting garments allow very little air to be held against the skin, providing a cooler microclimate than looser fits.

Three fabrics identified for testing in an under body armour combat shirt were:

Fabric 1) A single jersey weft knit 85% cotton/15% elastane blend at 230 gm⁻² for the sleeves and outer collar. Fabric 2) A warp knitted 72% Nylon/28% Elastane blend at 164 gm⁻² for the torso and inside collar. Fabric 3) A warp knitted 85% Polyester/15% Elastane blend at 180 gm⁻² for the torso and collar (second option).

The soft armour material was a 100% ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibre with a density of about 200 gm⁻², though it was found that use of two layers of this material in the collar provided for a good balance of protection and flexible rigidity, and thus an effective density of about 400 gm⁻².

Testing

Two prototypes were developed with different torso materials, methods of seam construction, and methods of inserting armour protection in the neck and forearm.

Bonded under body armour combat shirt (bonded UBACS): Nylon torso with bonded seams and bonded protection. Quilted under body armour combat shirt (quilted UBACS): Polyester torso with sewn seams and quilted sewn protection.

The bonded UBACS and Quilted UBACS were compared, under body armour, against each other, and also against the current UBACS shirt (which does not have a collar), and the current UBACS shirt with an OS4 (Osprey mark IV) collar attached to the body armour.

Both of the prototypes had cotton arms and collar, with fire retardant material applied to these exposed areas. The prototypes also included elbow pads for bump protection that were placed into the sleeves using bonded seams (d3o™).

The functional assessment required users to carry out simple, representative Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) tasks, whilst wearing each of the configurations in turn. The tasks were categorised as follows:

Don and doff. Range of Movement (ROM) seated. Range of Movement (ROM) standing. Weapon tasks. Moving loads. Operation of equipment. Movement inside. Movement outside. Vehicle activities. Ground search/route check task.

Upon completion of each task, the participants were asked for their perception(s) as to how successfully the task had been completed (Task Success) and if they perceived it to have been completed to an acceptable level of military performance (Acceptability).

Following completion of the functional assessment, participants were asked to provide answers to a questionnaire, covering the key-aspects of usability, comfort, acceptability and integration, as well as their likes and dislikes and suggested changes for each configuration. This procedure was repeated for each of the configurations. Participants were encouraged throughout the trial to communicate their opinions. This feedback was captured as subjective data to accompany the data collected throughout the functional assessment.

The data from the questionnaire was assessed using a scoring system alongside the 7-point scale of responses (Table 1):

Positive responses were given scores between 1 to 3, 0 for a neutral answer. Negative responses received a negative score between −1 to −3. Each participant's data was collated to provide an average score for each configuration.

TABLE 1 The scoring system for the questionnaire 3.4 How easy or difficult was the item to use? 4 1 3 Neither 5 7 Very 2 Somewhat difficult Somewhat 6 Very difficult Difficult difficult or easy easy Easy easy Score −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

Following completion of the functional assessment and the subjective evaluation, participants took part in a focus group discussion. During this session further opinions were discussed, alongside judgements concerning participants' ‘most’ and ‘least’ preferred configurations(s) and suggestions as to potential improvements to the design(s).

The task completion data (task success and acceptability), questionnaire data and subjective feedback were examined to allow for conclusions to be made about the assessment.

Having regard to FIG. 4 (successful task completion) and FIG. 5 (task acceptability), throughout the functional assessment, participants rated the success of task performance and also the acceptability of each of the configurations when performing each task. The task success ratings indicated that the participants were able to successfully complete the majority of tasks. The task acceptability ratings, however, indicated that there were issues.

The task success results are summarised as follows:

-   -   The Quilted UBACS performed the best, with 100% task success,         this was due to: fit, mobility and integration (evidence based         upon subjective feedback from participants and observations made         by investigators)     -   The current UBACS (which does not have a collar) and Bonded         UBACS also performed well with over 97% task success.     -   The current UBACS in combination with the current body armour         collar (OS4) attached to the body armour itself demonstrated the         lowest task success rate due to issues with poor integration         causing hindrance to task performance. Participants stated that         they could only partially complete 17% of the tasks and could         not complete 9% of the tasks at all.

The task acceptability results are summarised as follows:

-   -   Current UBACS and Quilted UBACS displayed high levels of task         acceptability as the garments were found to be satisfactory         (according to participants' feedback) during task performance,         though critically the current UBACS provides no neck protection.     -   The Bonded UBACS and current UBACS in combination with OS4         collar attached to the body armour had low levels of         acceptability.     -   Current UBACS and Quilted UBACS performed well, rated as         acceptable for over 94% of tasks.     -   Participants indicated that modifications were required for         almost 50% of the tasks carried out using the Bonded UBACS, this         was due to issues with integration, comfort, durability, and         restricted ROM.     -   The current UBACS in combination with OS4 collar attached to         body armour performed most poorly with almost 30% of task         performance with this configuration found to be unacceptable.

Having regard to FIG. 6 (mean questionnaire scores), the data collected from the participant questionnaires and the subjective feedback collected throughout the assessment informed on the usability, comfort, satisfaction and integration of the UBACS.

Usability

The usability of the UBACS items should be simple, being an item of clothing, however, some issues did arise during the assessment;

The stiffness of the neck and forearm protection of the Bonded UBACS caused some hindrance for ROM. Donning and doffing the current UBACS in combination with OS4 collar proved to be difficult and the collar made it difficult to perform certain tasks. The neoprene pads in the forearm of the current UBACS shirt restricted ROM and interacted poorly with other clothing and equipment. The closer fit design of the quilted and bonded UBACS allowed the users to perform tasks with little hindrance and enabled successful completion of tasks that were found to be difficult when wearing the current UBACS.

Comfort

Comfort is an issue with clothing in some current operational environments due to: the heat, integration with other items of clothing and equipment, and the need for greater levels of protection. The following issues were reported:

The current UBACS torso material was found to be uncomfortable (it was also stated that this material was very uncomfortable when wet from perspiration), the seams under the arm caused some rubbing and chafing, the zip dug in to the chest, and the collar caused discomfort resulting in a rash on the neck. The neoprene pads in the current UBACS were found to cause a thermal build up as they were not breathable and described as ‘hot and cumbersome’. The body of the garment also caused thermal discomfort. Participants felt that the OS4 collar caused thermal discomfort due to trapping warm air. It was felt that the collar prevented heat leaving the Body Armour. The OS4 collar also gave a sensation of choking as it pushed down on the neck causing friction and rubbing against the skin. The collar and cuff of the Bonded UBACS proved to be very uncomfortable due to rigidity and thickness of the protection. The tight fit and material of the bonded and quilted UBACS were found to be more comfortable in terms of thermal comfort (hydrophobic) and feel against the skin. Participants also felt that the tighter fit of the prototype garments allowed for greater ROM. The collar of the Quilted UBACS was found to be very comfortable. Participants preferred the overlap design to the zip of the current UBACS. The shape and fit of the collar also allowed full ROM of the head and neck (vital for patrolling, weapon use and maintaining general situational awareness) without chafing or rubbing. The d3o™ elbow pad was found to improve comfort when leaning on the elbow during tasks such as leopard crawl, however participants did feel that tapering the edges of this would improve fit and position of the d3o™ pad.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction scores comprised of a participant's rating of how attractive they found each configuration, how confident they were using/wearing it, and how satisfied they were with the configuration, with a specific focus on operational application;

The Bonded UBACS seams tended to rip, this reduced participants' confidence in the item as it would leave areas of the body vulnerable to fragments and other debris such as needles when crawling etc. The bonded seams were not robust enough for the performance of some military tasks. The Quilted UBACS was rated much more satisfactory than other configurations. Participants liked the sports apparel style design, integration, level and location of protection comfort afforded by the material, and design features (i.e. collar, seams, fit). Participants described the OS4 collar as ‘horrible’, ‘unattractive’ and ‘not practical’, and therefore rated, poorly in terms of satisfaction.

Integration

Issues with integration arose when performing certain military tasks. The areas of the garments that provided protection (neck and forearms) were the main cause for concern. The more rigid designs interacted poorly with other items of clothing and equipment (such as weapon, helmet and day sack) and thus affected task performance.

The neoprene padding in the current UBACS shirt was found to be ‘cumbersome’ and ‘ill fitting’, interacting poorly with equipment such as weapons and restricting ROM. The material at the armpit of the current UBACS rubbed against the skin, due to the interaction between the torso material and the day sack straps, causing discomfort. The rigid collar of the Bonded UBACS added to the issue of the day sack pushing the helmet forward when in prone position, thus adding to the restriction on the user when performing tasks such as leopard crawl and prone weapon firing. Both the collar and forearm protection also restricted participants general ROM due to the rigidity and stiffness of the bonded protection. The tight fit of the Quilted UBACS and low profile/softer design of the protection allowed for better movement and significantly reduced issues of integration. Participants felt like they weren't wearing a shirt due to the tight fit, therefore, there were no issues during task performance as the shirt moved with the body, with no baggy areas to catch or restrict. The OS4 collar was rated the most poor in terms of integration as it restricted participants' ROM, and especially the ability to look around. The collar also interacted poorly with the day sack, body armour, and respirator.

Design Features

Bonded Seams; the seams that were applied to the Bonded UBACS proved to be poor in terms of robustness as they came apart during wear by one of the participants. Bonded protection; the collar and forearm protection was far too stiff when bonding adhesive was applied to the design, causing integration issues. Torso material; the torso material used in the quilted and bonded UBACS (Nylon and Polyester) proved to be comfortable in terms of feel against the skin and also thermal comfort as these materials were hydrophobic.

Arm material; the cotton material used for the arms of the quilted and bonded UBACS was not robust enough for use during the functional assessment, and therefore, not robust enough for the operational environment. The weight of the material should be increased to ensure that the arms of the shirt are able to withstand constant use and interaction with tough materials (i.e. gravel when crawling on the ground etc).

Tight fit; the tight fit of the quilted and bonded UBACS garments allowed moisture to escape through gaps between yarns and did not hold/retain moisture in the structure. They also allowed very little air to be held against the skin; providing a cooler microclimate than looser fits. The tighter fit was also preferred aesthetically as this was thought to be like popular sports apparel. The tight fit also moved with the wearer causing minimal interaction with other items of clothing or equipment. Seam structure; in order to avoid discomfort in areas that are likely to chafe/rub, the quilted and bonded UBACS garments were constructed with as few seams as possible especially in areas of discomfort (i.e. under arms etc). Quilted protection; the application of quilted protection rather than bonded was preferred as this was softer allowing for greater ROM at the neck (better for situational awareness, weapon use and movement in prone position). The quilted/softer protection also minimised the interaction with other items at the forearm enabling the wearer greater movement and flexibility. Elbow pads; the d3o™ elbow (bump protection) pads were found to be a useful feature, particularly in the prone position. Participants felt that the edge of these pads needed to be tapered to allow the pad to sit better underneath the elbow when leaning on the ground or performing tasks such as leopard crawl and prone shot. Collar design; the current UBACS collar with zip was found to be uncomfortable and would also get caught on the body armour. The quilted and bonded UBACS garments adopted an overlap design to allow for appropriate coverage of the neck, flexibility of movement and also integration with other items (i.e. helmet). The Quilted UBACS collar worked better as this was not as rigid but still protected the required areas. The patch of protection at the top of the spine below the rear of the collar covered a previously exposed vulnerable area. 

1. Ballistic neck protector for providing protection to zones 1 and 2 of the neck of a user for use with body armour or under body armour garments comprising a soft armour material, wherein the neck protector has dimensions and a rigidity such that in use the neck protector is substantially upstanding and circumscribes the neck to delimit a gap therebetween providing minimal restriction of movement of the head and neck of the user.
 2. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 1, wherein the neck protector has a wrapover arrangement, wherein wrapover refers to the arrangement of a discontinuous substantially flat material about an object such that opposite sides of the material overlap, providing a discontinuous essentially circular neck protector, providing protection about the whole circumference of the neck of the user.
 3. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 1, wherein the gap delimited between the neck and the neck protector is between 2 cm and 5 cm.
 4. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 1, wherein the soft armour material is sandwiched between a layer of a first material at the inner surface of the neck protector and a layer of a second material at the outer surface of the neck protector.
 5. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 4, wherein the first material comprises a hydrophobic material.
 6. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 4, wherein the second material comprises a fire retardant material.
 7. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 4, wherein the first material, the second material and the soft armour material are quilted together.
 8. Ballistic neck protector according to claim 1, wherein soft armour material is an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibre.
 9. Under body armour garment comprising the neck protector of claim
 1. 10. Under body armour garment according to claim 9, wherein the garment has a torso comprised of a hydrophobic material.
 11. Under body armour garment according to claim 9, wherein the garment has sleeves, and the forearm section of the sleeves are comprised of a soft armour material to protect veins and arteries.
 12. Under body armour garment according to claim 11, wherein the sleeves are comprised of a fire retardant material.
 13. Under body armour garment according to claim 10, wherein the hydrophobic material comprises polyester or nylon.
 14. Under body armour garment according to claim 9, wherein the inner layer of the neck protector and the torso comprises between 10% and 30% elastane.
 15. Under body armour garment according to claim 9, wherein the fire retardant material comprises cotton.
 16. Under body armour garment according to claim 11, wherein the sleeves and the outer layer of the neck protector comprise between 10% and 30% elastane. 